How to choose the right bicycle tire for different environments?

2020-01-06 09:12:08


Do you have any experience in bicycle tire selection? What kind of bicycle tire is the best for you (your wheels)? In this article, we will talk about how to choose the bicycle tire that is most suitable for you according to the different performance characteristics of the tire ~


1. Roll resistance and TPI and puncture resistance

Generally speaking, the higher the bicycle tire pressure, the smaller the rolling resistance, and the cyclist will save effort when riding (base on the tire pressure is most suitable for your weight). High TPI (that is, the density of the braided layer per square inch of the tire) tends to be lighter. At the same time, high TPI also makes the outer wall of the tire softer, which also makes the high TPI tire feel better than low TPI tire when riding. However, the puncture resistance of high TPI bicycle tires tends to be worse (because tires with lower TPI sidewalls are thinner and lighter). This also disguised that low TPI tires are generally more durable than high TPI bicycle tires (though TPI is not related to tire durability, TPI is only related to tire puncture resistance). Therefore, for the race direction or those who are pursuing speed and light weight, and have better riding conditions, the rolling resistance is lower and the thinner and higher TPI tires are definitely the best choice. For riders with slightly worse road conditions, or those who like to challenge mixed roads and just getting started, thick stab resistance + low TPI tires with lower purchase costs are a good choice.

2. Choice of 23C and 25C tires

In the Grand Tournament, most of the cyclist have not used 23C bicycle tires but 25C tires. For everyday bike riders, which one do we choose between two different tire specifications, 23C and 25C?

25C bicycle tires are the mainstream now (and there is even a trend towards 28C), that's why Carbonal now mainly make 25mm wide road bike carbon rim and even wider 28mm carbon rim. Under the condition of the same tire pressure, the wider 25C tire is shorter and more round in contact with the ground than the 23C (23C tires are narrower and more oval), As a result, the tires of the 25C under the same model tend to have lower rolling resistance than the 23C, so compared to the 23C tires, the 25C tire's riding feel is better and the grip performance is better. The disadvantage of 25C is that it is heavier. In summary, for those who seek low rolling resistance, handling and riding feel, the 25C can definitely meet your needs. Those who are looking for lightweight can choose 23C tires that are lighter and cheaper.

3. Tread pattern

At the beginning, the purpose of the tread pattern was to enhance the grip of the tire to prevent the loss of grip and loss of control. However, the bicycle tire tread tends to increase the rolling resistance, which is why flat tires and time trial tires have fewer tire treads (even no treads pattern) than all-weather long-distance tires. The tread pattern appearing on all-weather long-distance tires often enhances the grip and also has the function of draining water. The drainage pattern designed on the tires makes you more confident when riding in the rain. Therefore, if you usually ride without rain, or ride on less curved roads, better road conditions and mostly short-distance roads, you can choose bicycle tires with less tire tread and lower rolling resistance. For those who have long-distance needs or have more complicated riding routes, all-weather long-distance tires with enhanced grip effect are the best choice. (At the same time, the tread pattern can also have the effect of differentiating between different brands and attracting consumers to buy. Horse brand, Victoria, Pirelli, Shiwen, and other special tire designs designed by different tire manufacturers have achieved product differentiation while also capturing Eyes of many consumers.)